A new, free resource is now available to help students succeed in college and beyond. MyCollegeMoneyPlan.org was developed at Wichita State University under a federal College Access Challenge Grant. The target audiences are students who are considering attending college and those who are new to college. The course features the ability to post status updates about progress in the course to Facebook and Twitter. The course provides students and their families with the information and resources they need to make wise decisions about:

Choosing a college they can afford.

Surviving and thriving financially while in college, and beyond.

How much student debt to take on, from what sources.

How to manage student debt after college.

Shockingly high student debt loan amounts seem to be unfortunately common. These debts, whether from federal or private sources are rarely forgiven or discharged, even in a personal bankruptcy. MyCollegeMoneyPlan.org provides the tools and information needed for college bound students and their families to make an informed financial choice for post-secondary education. Go to www.mycollegemoneyplan.org to sign up.

The American Legion Money for College

The American Legion Need a Lift is an electronic booklet updated annually to serve as a complete financial-aid reference guide. Besides information for veterans, it contains information on tips for applying to college, applying for financial aid, and a comprehensive guide to colleges and universitites listing tuition, room and board coasts and admission and financial deadlines. Visit student services to access the CD.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Federal student aid comes from the federal government. It’s the money that helps a student pay for education expenses at a postsecondary school. Four categories of federal student aide are: Grants, Scholarships, Work-Study, and Loans.

Get a personal identification number called a Federal Student Aide PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. This lets you “sign” your online FAFSA

FAFSA4Caster is a federal aid estimator that families can use before officially applying for aide using the FAFSA. Go to www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

Student Aid on the Web

Go to www.stduentaid.ed.gov for an in-depth info on federal student aid programs, applying for financial aid, and repaying student loans. You can also conduct college and scholarship searches, estimate college costs, and track and compare financial aid award letters.

Learning Quest- 529 Education Savings Program-

The Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program is Kansas’ state-sponsored 529 plan. 529 plans provide a tax-advantaged way to invest for college (conditioned on meeting certain requirements). Kansas residents can open a Learning Quest account with an initial investment of $250 or an automatic monthly investment of $25. The student may use the money to pay for qualified education expenses at any accredited university, college or approved technical or vocational program. Kansas taxpayers can deduct contributions, up to $3,000 from their Kansas adjusted gross income each year. Withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are free from federal and Kansas state income tax. For more information about Learning Quest either call 1-877-345-8837 or visit www.learningquest.com or Scott Gates at 785-296-5317

Kansas Investments Developing Scholars (KIDS) Matching Grant Program-

The State of Kansas wants to help you start saving for the increasing costs of higher education, whether it is college, community college or technical school. The Kansas Investments Developing Scholars (KIDS) Matching Grant Program will match the first $600 that an eligible account owner contributes to a Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Plan account for each student. This is based on a 2009 Federal Adjusted Gross Income less than the amount listed. Household of 1 = $21,660, 2 = $29,140, 3 = $36,620, 4 = $44,100, 5 = $51, 580, 6 = $59,060 etc. Call 1-866-504-5898 or visit www.KansasStateTreasurer.com/KIDS